David Grissom Belly of the Beast

What do John Mellencamp, Ringo Starr, Robben Ford, Buddy Guy, John Mayall, the Allman Brothers, Joe Ely, the Dixie Chicks and Chris Isaak all have in common? Guitarist and master of tone, David Grissom. David moved to Austin in 1983 and quickly became a stalwart on the vibrant local scene playing with both Lucinda Williams and Lou Ann Barton. He joined Joe Ely's band in 1985 and toured and recorded nonstop until 1991 when he joined John Mellencamp's band. David made three records with John and toured extensively.

After Mellencamp, David went back to Austin to form Storyville, the band that included the rhythm section Double Trouble of the legendary Stevie Ray Vaughan. He recently played on Buddy Guy's 2011 Grammy Award winning Living Proof CD. He is the author of the book "A Guide To Blues/Rock Guitar Soloing."

In 2007 Paul Reed Smith Guitars introduced the DGT Model, David's signature model guitar that represents the culmination of a 25-year relationship working with Paul on the design and improvements of their guitars from a touring/session player's perspective. PRS introduced this year, the DG Custom, a new line of 30 and 50 watt amplifiers designed by David and Doug Sewell.

"Way Down Deep" is David's latest solo release. Backed by the powerhouse rhythm section of J.J. Johnson (John Mayer, Derek Trucks) and Chris Maresh (Eric Johnson, Bonnie Raitt), this effort finds Grissom digging deeper into the sound he is well known for. Equally divided between vocal and instrumental tunes, Way Down Deep features blistering guitar work and lyrics reflecting an artist embracing change and growth. David will release "How It Feels to Fly" in February 2014 and will tour Europe in the Spring.